OPP officer jumps into freezing river to save youth

Quick action by a Temiskaming Detachment OPP officer likely saved the life of a suicidal 17-year-old boy last Saturday.

On November 10, at approximately 7:30 a.m. officer Marc Plante responded to a call involving a boy in crisis.

"The officer located the 17 year-old boy standing on the bridge," said  Constable Jennifer Smith. "While the officer was talking to the boy he ended up in the cold water and swift current of the Wabi River, in Temiskaming Shores. The officer and a nearby civilian jumped into the water and rescued the boy from the frigid water."

Neither Plante, the civilian, nor the boy sustained any injuries.

The youth was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and transported to the hospital said Smith.

It's the second time in two months a similar situation has developed by that bridge.

See: OPP officer dives in to rescue 12 year old from cold river

On September 24, at approximately 7:15 p.m. members of the Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a call involving a missing 12-year-old boy in crisis.

Officers found the boy under a bridge.

While officers were talking to the boy he ended up into the cold water and swift current of the Wabi River. Officers jumped into the water and the boy was successfully rescued.

Neither the officers nor the boy sustained any injuries.

The youth was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital.